The final day of the 2020 Cheltenham Festival is finally upon us. Thursday at Prestbury Park was a tough day for punters with 8/13 favourite Paisley Park finishing a disappointing seventh in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, whilst fan favourite Faugheen could only finish third in the Marsh Novices' Chase behind the triumphant Samcro. We've previewed all of the action for Gold Cup day.
1.30pm - Triumph Hurdle
A host of fascinating contenders in here headed by the progressive GOSHEN. Unbeaten in three starts this season, trainer Gary Moore thinks the world of him and despite slight concerns about him jumping to his right at his hurdles on this left-handed track, he still makes appeal given his massive engine and sheer talent. Solo was impressive on his British debut for Paul Nicholls and can go well along with Aspire Tower who was unlucky in Grade One company at Leopardstown last time out when falling at the final fence.
ODDSbible Tip: Goshen 3/1
2.10pm County Hurdle
Willie Mullins has already enjoyed three winners this week and could be back in the winner's enclosure with CIEL DE NEIGE. Owned by JP McManus, who has already recorded six victories at Prestbury Park this week, the five-year-old hit the front too soon when beaten in the Betfair Hurdle last time out. A stronger gallop and better ride here might do the trick. Stable companions Aramon and the unexposed Saint Roi look the dangers.
ODDSbible Tip: Ciel De Neige 13/2
2.50pm Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle
An intriguing renewal of the three-mile event and HARRY SENIOR makes appeal for Colin Tizzard. Successful at Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day in January, that form has a strong look to it and he is bred to relish this step up in trip. Thyme Hill is unbeaten this season and couild give the selection most to think about along with recent Grade One winner Latest Exhibition.
ODDSbible Tip: Harry Senior 10/1
3.30pm Cheltenham Gold Cup;
Jump racing's Blue Riband event can go to AL BOUM PHOTO. He is looking to become the third horse since 1972 to retain his Gold Cup crown and the first multiple winner since Kauto Star in 2009. He was impressive in last year's Gold Cup and has enjoyed the same preparation this time around with a convincing win at Tramore last time out. This race looks tailor-made for him and he is a fresh horse. Dangers are aplenty, headed by recent Cotswold Chase winner Santini who will relish this test, whilst Delta Work is unbeaten in his last two starts, both of which have been impressive Grade One victories over Kemboy and Presenting Percy.
ODDSbible Tip - Al Boum Photo 4/1
4.10pm Foxhunters Chase
A tricky contest to call but vibes have been positive in Ireland for the Enda Bolger-trained STALKER WALLACE. Second on his last start under Rules, he has since won in the point-to-point sphere and has the services of top-class amateur Jamie Codd. Hazel Hill won the contest last year, but was soundly beaten by Minella Rocco last time and he rates as the biggest danger in a wide-open event.
ODDSbible Tip - Stalker Wallace 13/2
4.50pm Handicap Chase
Gordon Elliott has already enjoyed six winners at Presbury Park this week and ÉCLAIR DE BEAUFEU can go well for him in this. The six-year-old recorded a decisive success in a competitive race at Leopardstown last time and also boasts placed form in Graded races this term. He looks thoroughly unexposed and has the services of a talented 5lb claimer in Sean O'Keeffe. Greaneteen is unbeaten in his last three starts for Paul Nicholls and can chase him home.
ODDSbible Tip - Éclair De Beaufeu 17/2
5.30pm Handicap Hurdle
COLUMN OF FIRE has been one of the hype horses of this year's Cheltenham Festival following a positive update on his wellbeing from Gordon Elliott recently. He was a fine fifth in a competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown's Dublin Racing Festival in February and had previously boasted smart placed form behind talented novices Longhouse Poet and Elixir D'ainay. Elliott likes to win this race and holds strong claims with this six-year-old who is progressing all the time. Front View represents Joseph O'Brien who won this race last year and he rates as the threat in the finale.
